Donna Lynne Shelton Grimmett, age 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 3, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on June 23, 1943, in Long Beach, California, to Bessie and Al Shelton. Donna spent her younger years in Northern California and later childhood in New Cuyama, California.
After high school, she met the love of her life—Jim, a young airman from Texas stationed in California. Their story was a special one. Not long after they met, Jim received orders to Japan. They decided to wait to marry until he returned to the States. Time passed and Donna eventually received a letter from Jim urging her to get her paperwork completed to go to Japan. Six months later they were married in the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
For 30 years, Donna embraced the Air Force life, which brought wonderful travel opportunities, including two tours in Germany. After Jim’s retirement, they settled in Lubbock, Texas, where they continued their travels across the United States.
Faith played a central role in Donna’s life. She served as Sunday School coordinator at Chapels on two bases and contributed in many meaningful ways to her home church in Lubbock.
Donna was a gifted artist who especially loved painting landscapes and animals. She often shared her beautiful creations with friends and family and received several awards for her oil paintings. She was also an excellent cook and baker—Jim particularly adored her pies. Donna had many talents and interest, including cake decorating, sewing, singing, scrapbooking and a lifelong love of reading.
She is preceded in death by her parents, son James Grimmett, her granddaughter Elizabeth Grimmett, and her loving husband of 58 years, Jim Grimmett.
She is survived by her siblings, John Shelton (Betty) and Pat Devereaux; sister-in-law, Ruby Stout; daughters, Shelly MacNair (George), JoDee Grimmett (Tim Gagliano); and daughter-in-law, Dawn Grimmett; grandchildren, Rebecca Strain (Billy), Mason Grimmett; and great grandson, Elliot Grimmett, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Donna will forever be remembered and cherished for the love, warmth, and joy she brought into their lives.
Memorial service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11 a.m.
